Albert Lea’s Cory Hansen was chosen as Class AAA Wrestler of the Year by the Southeast Minnesota Wrestling Coalition, the group announced Tuesday.

Hansen was presented the award Tuesday evening at the Southeast Minnesota Seniors’ Banquet and Region 1 Hall of Fame dinner at the Rochester Marriott hotel.

Hansen finished his varsity career with a 164-24 record. He was also a four-time Section 1AAA champion and named Big Nine All-Conference four times. Hansen was a four-time qualifier for the Minnesota state tournament and placed in the top four three times.

Hansen spent most of the season ranked No. 3 in the state in the 160-pound weight class. He finished this season with a 41-9 record but did not place in the state tournament after losing to the eventual state champion Kyle Begin, of Anoka.

Hansen also helped lead Albert Lea this season to a Section 1AAA team championship and state tournament berth, and Big Nine championship.

Other Southeast Minnesota Wrestling Coalition Wrestler of the Year award-winners included Chad Matthees, of Zumbrota-Mazeppa, (Class A) and Garret Garness, of Kasson-Mantorville, (Class AA).

The Southeast Minnesota Wrestling coalition is a non-profit organization founded and operated to support and promote amateur wrestling at all levels in southeast Minnesota.